IFC Statement on Passage of Global Magnitsky Act

Initiatives for China (IFC a.k.a Citizen Power for China) applauds the final passage of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act by Congress, which will allow the president to deny U.S. visas and freeze U.S.-based assets of any individual human rights abusers and corrupt officials in the world.

IFC believes this paradigm shift will significantly strengthen and enhance the enforcement of international human rights laws, and give a powerful tool for global human rights activists fighting against authoritarian regimes and hold any human rights abusers accountable.

In the celebration of the Global Magnitsky Act’s historic passage, we would like to extend our deep gratitude and appreciation to Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), John McCain (R-AZ) , Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) for their leadership and their hard work. We also want to thank Mr. Bill Browder for his dedication and persistence.

The passage of the Global Magnitsky is just the beginning of a long journey to maintain international human rights standards. The implementation of the Act by the Trump Administration is the key to its success. We must ensure that this framework will be used effectively.

We urge President Obama to invite human rights leaders and activists to a signing ceremony for the Global Magnitsky Act in the White House to send a strong signal to the world that a new era of human rights advocacy has arrived.